Group verse: “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”Psalm 119:11

Mascot name: Harvest.

The last group are the Eagles.

Age: Middle school to High school.

Group verse: “And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”2 Timothy 3:15

Mascot name: Feathers.

Workbooks

Children in each group will first have to complete an entrance booklet before they earn their main book. (Sample)

The entrance booklet serves two purposes:

It will give kids a sample of what they will be learning in the main book.

They will learn to get into the practice of memorizing Bible verses.

After they finish the entrance booklet they will earn and work on the main book. (Sample)

The book is divided into different sections with a variety of lessons in each.

Each lesson is divided into 4 sections:

BiblicalTruth- The main teaching of the lesson.

QandA- The application of the teaching.

Definitions- An explanation of specific word(s) that help kids understand the Bible verse.

Memorize- The Bible verse that the kids need to memorize.

Every year the book will cover a specific doctrine.

Book One is The Bible. Kids will learn the answer to questions like: What is the Bible? How did we get the Bible? Why is the Bible important? How can we trust that the Bible is true?

The next books will cover doctrines like: God, Creation, The Fall Of Man, Christ, Justification, Sanctification.

Every group will use the same book, although adapted for their age.

The Bible Lesson

The teaching will be based on the lessons from the book. This way the handbook helps to reinforce the lesson and the lesson helps to reinforce the handbook.

So this was a very quick rundown/outline of the program itself.

When the website goes up we will also include other resources like: clip art, achievement pages, ideas for uniforms, ideas for book-bags, certificates, coloring pages, door hangers and flyers, postcards, forms (registration, weekly point sheets, sign in) and of course the logos.

Ill let you guys know as soon as the website is up and running. So keep your eyes out for that.

Every child who listens to you teach each week assumes that what they are hearing is Biblical. This is a great responsibility that no children’s ministry leader should take lightly because as teachers we have the potential to impact the lives of the children in our ministries.

This is why Scripture gives us the exhortation to practice discernment. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 says “but examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good…” Paul’s exhortation is very clear. We must examine EVERYTHING carefully and only retain what is good.

There is no greater opportunity to practice discernment then in our next purchase of the curriculum for our children’s ministry.

If we were to walk into a modern Christian book store and look through the children’s ministry section we would find dozens and dozens of different curriculum. We could find everything from sunday school, V.B.S., to every kids program in between; all with bright colors, funny looking characters or smiling children on the packages.

The question then becomes which one is right for my children’s ministry?

Many times we first incorrectly look for the fun factor. Does this curriculum come with funny videos? Does it have catchy songs? Does it come with great take home worksheets?

These questions are important, but the fun factor should always take second place to the question, is this material Biblical?

Every curriculum in the book store claims to be Biblical, but how can you be sure?

The answer is very simple. Examine everything!

What do I examine it against? The answer again is simple, all of Scripture.

We must examine ALL curriculum through the light of Scripture to see if they are faithful to God’s Word.

This is why discernment is so important. No matter how fun and entertaining a program seems, if it is not Biblical then it is no good. It does not matter who the author, publisher or company is.

Why because only Scripture has the power to transform and save the kids in your ministry.

“and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:15

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word.” Psalm 119:9

If your curriculum is not Biblical then all that you are teaching is the opinion of the author, not the powerful and transforming Word of God.

So the next time you are shopping for new curriculum for your children’s ministry I exhort you to examine everything carefully against the light of Scripture to see if it is Biblical. Always keeping in mind the great responsibility that you have as a children’s ministry leader.

If the curriculum passes the Biblical test, then have fun looking for the one with the great worksheets, entertaining videos and catchy songs.

You can always buy kids’ paint from the store, but where’s the fun in that? Here is a craft for the little ones to keep them occupied. It’s inexpensive, easy, and creative. Here’s the recipe if you want to give it a try.

Ingredients

1 cup cornstarch

1 cup water

food coloring

Instructions

Mix the cornstarch and the water.

Pour the mixture into a cup cake tin, an equal amount in each cup.

Next add in different food color to each cup and mix until smooth.

In case you are wandering, all you have to do it spray the sidewalk with the hose and it will come right off.